The Virginian

I now dispose to call the attention of Leonard Claiborne to the circumstances relative to the bond of $100. The last claim of $100, which I obtained from the commissioners on him, was at the time I had to pay in the state revenue, or thereabouts, and he could not make it convenient to pay me. Some short time after, I was called upon by Walter Coles for $100. I applied to Mr. Claiborne for the money, and he said that he had none, but would obtain it from Col. George Townes, in a few minutes. He returned with the $100, and had a bond written for the sum; and as Mr. Coles was waiting, I signed the bond, and paid him the money—This all took place before breakfast. The same day, in the afternoon, I took in of Stokely T. Foster, in account of him, $144, and some few cents. I think that was the sum. The same day, Mr. Claiborne assumed payment of the sum of 13 or 25 dollars, to Richard Johnson. After deducting the $100, and the $144, and the sum paid Johnson, he paid me the small balance, and I handed him in the claim, and did not take in the bond which I gave him that morning. But, at night, on viewing the transactions of the day, I recollected these circumstances; and when the last settlement took place, this bond was poked to me the second time with several others. Then I felt like I was in a steel-trap—I am in hopes the commissioners will see it a duty incumbent on them to review the matter between Leonard Claiborne and myself, as in the first instance I requested Mr. Claiborne to take no advantage. Mr. Claiborne has brought the matter before you without my consent; let him do so now that I am willing.

I wish the commissioners would recollect the circumstance, that the porch was to be built 16 feet, running with the house, with two columns—I built it, by their direction, 20 feet, with 4 columns. For this, together with some extra work, I presented a bill of $65, which they have not yet paid, and which I expect they have forgotten. is.

I am sorry that my creditors in the state of North Carolina, push on me so hard for the money I am indebted to them, as it deprives me of the means of collecting what is due me

NICHOLAS McGINNIS

April 9.

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